AN inquest into the tragic death of 16-year-old Bournemouth schoolboy Kyle Rees will begin on Tuesday.

Kyle, who lived with his family in Nortoft Road, Charminster, died the day after he was struck on the head by an indoor practice cricket ball at Portchester School, now known as Hare-wood College, in Harewood Avenue, on February 27.

The jury inquest will be held at Bournemouth Town Hall and is expected to last three days.

Kyle’s death shocked the community. Masses of tributes were left outside Portchester School in memory of Kyle and hundreds of messages were left on a Facebook page set up in the wake of his death.

Books of condolence and memory boards were also placed in the school and in neighbouring girls’ school, Avonbourne.

A service of thanksgiving was held at St Andrew’s Church in Bournemouth and was attended by Kyle’s many school friends who were given permission to attend.

His devastated parents Tanya Cooper and John Rees were supported by relatives.

Speaking shortly after Kyle’s death, Mr Rees said: “On behalf of myself, Kyle’s step-mum, grandparents and family, we would like to thank everybody for all the support and love which has been shown for my son. He was so loved by everyone and he was such a special boy. Words are not enough to describe how desperately he will be missed. Kyle will always be in our hearts forever.”

Kyle’s school friends have recently launched a business venture to raise funds in his memory. They are selling special ‘4 Kyle’ wristbands to raise funds for Southampton General Hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit where Kyle was treated.